Wearable Device

Wearable devices are electronic devices that can be worn on the body, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and augmented reality glasses, etc. While such devices as fitness trackers may provide messaging based on a user's movement or lack thereof, wearable devices do not provide stories, trivia fact-based messaging or inspirational messaging organized into one or more themes.

In one embodiment, a wearable device includes: a processor in electrical communication with: a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of messages, an actuator, an audio transducer, and a light emitter, wherein, responsive to the actuator receiving a user input, the processor: retrieves a message of the plurality of messages from the storage medium, illuminates the light emitter with a color corresponding to a theme associated with the retrieved message, and plays the message via the audio transducer.

Optionally, in some embodiments, responsive to the actuator receiving the user input, the processor: retrieves a message of the plurality of messages from the storage medium, subsequent to retrieving the message, illuminates the light emitter with a color corresponding to a theme associated with the retrieved message, and subsequent to illuminating the light emitter, plays the message via the audio transducer.

Optionally, in some embodiments, responsive to the actuator receiving the user input, the processor: selects a theme from the plurality of themes; retrieves a message of the plurality of messages from the storage medium based on the theme, subsequent to retrieving the message, illuminates the light emitter with a color corresponding to a theme associated with the retrieved message, and subsequent to illuminating the light emitter, plays the message via the audio transducer.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one theme of the plurality of themes describes an emotion.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one theme of the plurality of themes describes a fact type.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the emotion includes one or more of joy, forgiveness, contentment, reverence, calm or empowerment.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the messages of the plurality of messages include words.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the messages of the plurality of messages include a recorded human voice.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the messages of the plurality of messages include a simulated human voice.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor selects the retrieved message randomly.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor selects the retrieved message randomly based on a selected theme of the plurality of themes.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of messages can be uploaded to the device by a user.

Optionally, in some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of messages are played in a selected sequence.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the sequence includes a parable.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor selects the retrieved message based on a user feedback.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the feedback includes one or more of a manual input or a biofeedback.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor is in wireless communication with a personal device.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the personal device is configured to receive the user input, selecting a message of the plurality of messages for later playback.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor is in wireless communication with a second processor of a second wearable device.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the one of the processor or the second processor is configured to transmit the retrieved message to the other of the second processor or the processor via the wireless communication.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the light emitter illuminates the actuator.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of messages includes excerpts from a scripture.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the device includes a modular wearable device connectable to a plurality of carrier structures.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of carrier structures is one or more of a wrist band, a pendant, a necklace, a brooch, a tie pin, a cuff link, an earring, or a ring.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the scripture includes one or more of The New Testament, The Old Testament, The Quran, The Tanakh, The Torah, The Nevi'im, The Ketuvim, The Vedas, The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Tripitaka, The Mahayana Sutras, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Guru Granth Sahib, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, The Writings of Baha'u'llah, The Avesta, The Yasna, The Visperad, or The Vendidad.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: retrieve a message of a plurality of messages stored in the storage medium, wherein each message is categorized into at least one of a plurality of themes; illuminate a light emitter with a color corresponding to a theme associated with the retrieved message, and plays the message via an audio transducer.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one theme of the plurality of themes describes an emotion.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one theme of the plurality of themes describes a fact type.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the emotion includes one or more of joy, forgiveness, contentment, reverence, calm or empowerment.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the messages of the plurality of messages include words.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the messages of the plurality of messages include a recorded human voice.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the messages of the plurality of messages include a simulated human voice.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor selects the retrieved message randomly.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor selects the retrieved message randomly based on a selected theme of the plurality of themes.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of messages can be uploaded to the device by a user.

Optionally, in some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of messages are played in a selected sequence.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the sequence includes a parable.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor selects the retrieved message based on a user feedback.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the feedback includes one or more of a manual input or a biofeedback.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor is in wireless communication with a personal device.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the personal device is configured to receive a user input, selecting a message of the plurality of messages for later playback.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the processor is in wireless communication with a second processor of a second wearable device.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the one of the processor or the second processor is configured to transmit the retrieved message to the other of the second processor or the processor via the wireless communication.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the light emitter illuminates the actuator.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of messages include excerpts from a scripture.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the device includes a modular wearable device connectable to a plurality of carrier structures.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of carrier structures is one or more of a wrist band, a pendant, a necklace, a brooch, a tie pin, a cuff link, an earring, or a ring.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the scripture includes one or more of The New Testament, The Old Testament, The Quran, The Tanakh, The Torah, The Nevi'im, The Ketuvim, The Vedas, The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Tripitaka, The Mahayana Sutras, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Guru Granth Sahib, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, The Writings of Baha'u'llah, The Avesta, The Yasna, The Visperad, or The Vendidad.

In some embodiments, a system includes: a first wearable device; and a second wearable device, wherein: the first wearable device and the second wearable device are in wireless communication with one another, each of the first wearable device and the second wearable device includes: a processor in electrical communication with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of messages, each message being categorized into at least one of a plurality of themes, and one of the first wearable device or the second wearable device is configured to transit a message of the plurality of messages to the other of the second wearable device or the first wearable device via the wireless communication.

Optionally, in some embodiments, each of the first wearable device and the second wearable device includes: an actuator; an audio transducer; and a light emitter, wherein responsive to the actuator receiving a user input, the processor or the respective user device receiving the user input plays the transmitted message via the audio transducer, and illuminates the light emitter with a color corresponding to a theme associated with the transmitted message.

Wearable devices disclosed herein include an actuator, a light emitter, and an audio transducer. Responsive to a user pressing or otherwise providing an input to the actuator, the wearable devices play one or more audio messages retrieved from a memory device (typically within the wearable device) via the audio transducer.

The audio messages may be categorized into one or more themes. In some embodiments, a theme may represent an emotion. In some embodiments, a theme may represent a type of fact, e.g., when a wearable device is operating in fact mode. In some embodiments, the wearable devices disclosed may operate in “story mode” where the device plays one or more portions or pages of a story or parable.

Based on the theme of a selected message, the wearable device may illuminate the light emitter with a color corresponding to the theme of the message. For example, where a message is categorized with a theme of “joy,” the light emitter may light green, indicating the selected message is joyful. The wearable device plays the message via the audio transducer as the light emitter illuminates with a color corresponding to the theme of the message being played. In some embodiments, the wearable device selects a theme and then selects messages having been categorized with that theme. In such embodiments, the playback of the message and/or the illumination of the light emitter is as described above. In various embodiments, the message may be played before the light emitter illuminates, after the light emitter illuminates, or substantially at the same time as the light emitter illuminates. The playback of the message may be one or more of a recorded human voice, or a synthesized or simulated voice (human or otherwise).

In many embodiments, the messages are selected excerpts from an inspirational text such as a scripture. For example, the messages may be selected from one or more of: The New Testament, The Old Testament, The Quran, The Tanakh, The Torah, The Nevi'im, The Ketuvim, The Vedas, The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Tripitaka, The Mahayana Sutras, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Guru Granth Sahib, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, The Writings of Baha'u'llah, The Avesta, The Yasna, The Visperad, or The Vendidad. In some embodiments, the messages may be selected from a collection of facts, e.g., facts about the moon.

The wearable devices may be modular devices that are coupled or coupleable to one or more carrier structures, such as a wrist band, a pendant, a necklace, a brooch, a tie pin, a cuff link, an earring, or a ring, etc.

1 FIG.A 1 FIG.G 100 Turning to the figures,-show an embodiment of a wearable device.

100 108 108 110 112 110 112 124 126 110 112 134 128 112 134 112 124 126 128 108 The wearable deviceincludes a main body. The main bodyincludes a rear paneland an opposite front panel. The rear paneland front panelmay meet at respective opposite end portions/. The rear paneland the front panelmay also meet at an edge panel. In some embodiments, a transition portionis provided between one or more respective panels, such as between the front paneland the edge panel, or between the front paneland the end portionor end portion. The transition portionmay provide a smooth or aesthetically pleasing shape to the main body.

108 100 1802 1804 1806 1808 1810 18 FIG. The main bodyforms an internal compartment that houses the components of the wearable device, such as the processing element, the I/O interface, the light emitter, the memory component, the network interface, a power supply such as a battery, etc. See, e.g.,and related description for more details.

114 100 112 114 116 100 116 108 A grillemay be formed in, or coupled to, one or more panels of the wearable device, typically the front panel. The grilleprotects the audio transducerof the wearable device, yet allows sound generated by the audio transducerto be transmitted outside the main body.

132 132 132 702 1 FIG.A 7 FIG. A thematic elementmay be included in one or more panels. As shown for example in, the thematic elementmay be a religious symbol. In other embodiments, the thematic elementmay be a character(see, e.g.,).

100 120 120 The wearable deviceincludes a light emitter. For example, the light emittermay be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can illuminate with any visible light color, such as green, red, blue, purple, amber, white, etc.

100 118 100 118 120 118 108 120 108 118 1 FIG.A The wearable deviceincludes an actuatorthat receives a user input to cause the wearable deviceto select and play a message as disclosed herein. In the example shown in, the actuatorand the light emitterare unitarily formed. For example, the actuatormay include a light pipe that receives light from an LED module within the main bodyand transmits light generated by the light emitterto the area outside the main body(e.g., to a location where the generated light may be viewable by a user). In some embodiments, a wearable device may include a sensor such as a biofeedback sensor in place of, or in addition to, the actuator to control the same or similar actions as the actuator.

108 138 140 140 124 126 138 130 136 136 108 102 104 142 136 108 102 302 314 328 3 FIG.A 3 FIG.G In some examples, the main bodymay include one or more flangesthat form a receiver. In many embodiments, the receiveris disposed at one or both of the end portions/. The flangesmay have respective aperturesformed therethrough and adapted to receive a pin. The pincouples the main bodyto an optional carrier structure, such as an elongated elementlike a wrist strap forming a main aperturesuitable to receive a user's wrist or other body part. In some embodiments, the pinis a spring pin that is at least partly collapsible such that the main bodymay be selectively coupled or uncoupled from the carrier structureor to another carrier structure (see, e.g., the carrier structure, carrier structure, or carrier structuredescribed with respect to-).

1 FIG.B 1 FIG.C 1 FIG.B 1 FIG.C 100 144 122 144 122 144 146 108 144 108 122 122 1814 144 144 146 As shown for example inand, the wearable devicemay include a coverthat selectively seals a charging port.shows the coverin a closed configuration.shows the cover in an open position, exposing the charging port. For example, the covermay sit within a recessformed in the main body, such that, when closed, the coveris substantially flush with the main body. In some embodiments, the charging portis a universal serial bus (USB) connector, such as a mini-USB, micro-USB, USB-C, or other similar connector. The charging portmay provide for charging the power source. The covermay be a partially or fully resilient material. The covermay seal the recessfrom ingress of contaminants, water, etc.

1 FIG.D 1 FIG.G 1 FIG.F 1 FIG.G 100 148 106 148 154 152 152 154 152 150 150 100 152 156 100 150 130 156 136 130 156 100 148 -show the wearable devicein the process of being coupled to or decoupled from a carrier structure, such as a clip. For example, the carrier structureincludes a basefrom which one or more flangesprotrude. The flangesare disposed at opposing ends of the base. The flangesform a receptacletherebetween. The receptacleis adapted to receive the wearable device. The flangesinclude respective aperturesformed therethrough. When the wearable deviceis received in the receptacle(e.g.,and), the aperturesalign with the apertures, such that the pinscan be received in the respective aperturesandto selectively couple to the wearable deviceto the carrier structure.

148 158 152 158 160 148 The carrier structuremay include a hoopat one or both ends (e.g., adjacent to the flanges). The hoopforms an openingthat may facilitate attachment of the carrier structureto another device, such as a neckless, ring, key ring, etc.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 200 200 100 200 108 110 112 114 116 118 124 126 128 130 134 136 138 140 142 200 102 148 100 200 132 Turning to, a wearable deviceis shown. The wearable deviceis similar to the wearable devicein many aspects. For example, the wearable deviceincludes a main body, a rear panel, a front panel, a grille, an audio transducer, an actuator, an end portion, an end portion, a transition portion, an aperture, an edge panel, a pin, a flange, a receiver, and a main aperture. The wearable deviceis coupleable to a carrier structure, or a carrier structuresimilar to the wearable device. The wearable devicemay optionally include a thematic element(not shown in).

200 100 200 202 118 120 202 202 116 The wearable devicemay differ from the wearable devicein that the wearable deviceincludes a light emitterseparate from the actuator. Like the light emitter, the light emittermay include one or more LEDs and/or one or more light pipes. The light emittermay illuminate with any visible color, based on a theme of a selected message being played on the audio transducer.

3 FIG.A 3 FIG.H 300 300 100 200 300 108 110 112 134 118 122 134 114 112 116 Turning to-, a wearable deviceis shown. The wearable deviceis similar to the wearable deviceand the wearable devicein many aspects. For example, the wearable deviceincludes a main bodywith a rear panel, a front paneljoined by an edge panel. An actuatorand a charging portare disposed along the edge panel. A grilleis disposed in a panel, such as the front panel, and protects an audio transducer.

300 100 200 122 122 124 126 108 134 300 144 300 128 108 300 112 110 The wearable devicemay differ from the wearable deviceand the wearable devicein the placement of the charging port. For example, the charging portmay be disposed at an end portionor end portionof the main bodyin an edge panel. The wearable devicemay not include a cover. Further, the wearable devicemay not include a transition portion, such that the main bodyof the wearable deviceis substantially planar with the front paneland the rear panelbeing substantially parallel to one another.

3 FIG.B 3 FIG.C 108 300 302 302 310 300 310 312 108 300 310 308 308 134 300 310 158 160 302 304 310 306 118 108 312 As shown for example inand, the main bodyof the wearable devicemay be receivable in a carrier structure. The carrier structureincludes a bodythat forms a loop in a shape suitable to receive the wearable device. For example, the bodyforms a main openingsuited to receive the main bodyof the wearable device. The inner surface of the bodyforms a race. The raceis shaped to couple to the edge panelof the wearable device. The bodymay include a hoopthat forms an openingsuitable for attaching the carrier structureto another structure such as an elongated element, like a neckless, key ring, split ring, etc. The bodyincludes an actuator coverpositioned over the actuatorwhen the main bodyis received in the main opening.

3 FIG.D 3 FIG.F 300 314 314 324 104 104 104 104 316 104 104 318 318 316 As shown for example in-, the wearable devicemay be receivable in a carrier structuresuch as a strap (e.g., a wrist, arm, or body strap). The carrier structureincludes a bodywith a first elongated elementextending from a first portion thereof and a second elongated elementextending from an opposite, second portion thereof. For example, the elongated elementsmay form wrist straps. Either or both of the elongated elementsmay include a plurality of aperturesformed through the respective elongated element. Either or both of the elongated elementsmay include a postdisposed thereon, or formed therewith. The postis receivable in one of the plurality of aperturesto close the wrist strap about a user's wrist. The user may select an aperture of the plurality of apertures based on the size of their wrist, ankle, arm, etc.

324 326 300 324 320 322 320 114 116 300 326 322 324 118 322 300 324 118 116 114 320 300 The bodyforms a receptacleadapted to receive the wearable device(e.g., selectively receive). The bodyincludes an audio portand an actuator port. The audio portis disposed to align with the grilleand the audio transducerwhen the wearable deviceis received in the receptacle. Similarly, the actuator portis disposed in the bodysuch that the actuatoris aligned with the actuator portwhen the wearable deviceis received in the body. Thus, a user can provide a user input to the actuatorand the audio transducercan provide sound through the grilleand the audio portto the space outside the wearable device.

3 FIG.G 3 FIG.H 3 FIG.G 328 300 328 328 304 304 336 304 338 300 338 334 300 328 330 332 336 338 332 336 330 328 328 336 Turning toand, a carrier structureis shown. The wearable deviceis selectively receivable in the carrier structure. The carrier structureincludes an elongated element. The elongated elementforms a main loopadapted to receive a portion of a user's body (e.g., wrist, arm, ankle, etc.) The elongated elementalso forms a sub loopthat receives the wearable device. For example, the sub loopincludes a sleeve(shown dis-assembled in) that selectively receives the wearable device. The carrier structureincludes a claspand one or more ringsthat form the main loopand the sub loop. Ringsprovide for adjustment of the size of the main loopto fit various sizes of portions of a user's body. The claspprovides for the carrier structureto be easily opened and closed (such as for donning or doffing the carrier structure) without resizing the main loop.

4 FIG.A 4 FIG.C 400 400 100 200 300 400 108 110 112 134 124 126 128 400 114 116 118 108 112 124 126 138 140 138 136 400 Turning to-, a wearable deviceis shown. The wearable deviceis similar to the other wearable devices disclosed herein, such as the wearable device,, and/orin many aspects. For example, the wearable deviceincludes a main bodywith a rear panel, and a front panel, joined by an edge panel, an end portion, an end portionand optionally, a transition portion. The wearable deviceincludes a grillethat protects an audio transducer. An actuatoris disposed on a panel of the main body, such as the front panel. The end portions/include flangesthat form a receiver. The flangesinclude respective apertures therethrough adapted to receive pinsto couple the wearable deviceto one or more carrier structures.

400 100 200 300 400 120 120 100 200 300 120 400 118 120 200 The wearable devicemay differ from the wearable device, the, and/or thein that the wearable deviceincludes a plurality of light emitters. Rather than the multi-color light emitterof the wearable device,, or, the light emittersof the wearable devicemay be configured to illuminate with a single color based on the theme of the selected message. Additionally, or alternately, the actuatormay be separate from the light emitters(similar to the wearable device).

400 100 200 300 124 126 402 400 136 The wearable devicemay also differ from the wearable device,, and/orin that the end portions/include respective tangsto couple the wearable deviceto a carrier structure, in addition to, or as an alternate to, the pins.

4 FIG.B 4 FIG.C 400 122 100 400 404 110 1814 122 404 As shown for example in, the wearable devicemay include a charging portas described with respect to the wearable device. As shown for example in, the wearable devicemay optionally or additionally include a charging coildisposed on a panel thereof (e.g., on a rear panel). The charging coil may be an inductive coil that charges the power sourcewithout a conductive wired connection to a charger (e.g., wireless charging). Any wearable device disclosed herein may include either or both of a charging portand/or charging coil.

5 FIG. 500 500 100 200 300 400 500 108 110 112 134 124 126 128 500 114 116 118 108 112 124 126 138 140 138 130 136 500 500 122 404 Turning to, a wearable deviceis shown. The wearable deviceis similar to the other wearable devices disclosed herein, such as the wearable device,,, and/orin many aspects. For example, the wearable deviceincludes a main bodywith a rear panel, and a front panel, joined by an edge panel, an end portion, an end portionand optionally, a transition portion. The wearable deviceincludes a grillethat protects an audio transducer. An actuatoris disposed on a panel of the main body, such as the front panel. The end portions/include flangesthat form a receiver. The flangesinclude respective aperturestherethrough adapted to receive pinsto couple the wearable deviceto one or more carrier structures. The wearable devicemay include one or both of charging portsand/or charging coil.

500 100 300 120 118 120 500 100 120 The wearable devicemay differ from the wearable deviceand wearable devicein that the light emitterand actuatorare separate devices. The light emitterof the wearable devicemay be like that of the wearable devicein that the light emittercan emit any color of light.

500 402 400 The wearable deviceincludes the tangsdiscussed with respect to the wearable device.

6 FIG.A 6 FIG.F 600 600 100 200 300 400 500 600 108 110 112 134 124 126 128 600 114 116 118 108 134 124 126 138 140 138 130 136 600 600 122 404 600 402 400 500 600 118 120 100 Turning to-, a wearable deviceis shown. The wearable deviceis similar to the other wearable devices disclosed herein, such as the wearable device,,,, and/orin many aspects. For example, the wearable deviceincludes a main bodywith a rear panel, and a front panel, joined by an edge panel, an end portion, an end portionand optionally, a transition portion. The wearable deviceincludes a grillethat protects an audio transducer. An actuatoris disposed on a panel of the main body, such as the edge panel. The end portions/include flangesthat form a receiver. The flangesinclude respective aperturestherethrough adapted to receive pinsto couple the wearable deviceto one or more carrier structures. The wearable devicemay include one or both of a charging portand/or charging coil. The wearable deviceincludes the tangssimilar to the wearable deviceand the wearable device. The wearable deviceincludes a combined actuator/light emittersuch as described with respect to the wearable device.

400 500 600 602 602 154 152 152 154 152 150 150 400 500 600 154 152 602 152 402 400 500 600 602 6 FIG.B 6 FIG.C The wearable device, wearable device, and/or wearable deviceare all coupleable to a carrier structure. The carrier structureincludes a basefrom which one or more flangesprotrude. The flangesare disposed at opposing ends of the base. The flangesform a receptacletherebetween. The receptacleis adapted to receive the wearable device//. As shown for example inand, the baseand/or flangesof the carrier structuremay be temporarily (e.g., resiliently or elastically) bent such that the flangessnap into the tangsof the wearable device//. Thus the respective wearable devices may be coupled, including selectively coupled, to the carrier structurewithout tools or pins.

602 158 152 158 160 148 The carrier structuremay include a hoopat one or both ends (e.g., adjacent to the flanges). The hoopforms an openingthat may facilitate attachment of the carrier structureto another device, such as a neckless, ring, key ring, etc.

6 FIG.D 600 130 152 100 600 102 400 500 102 As shown for example in, the wearable devicemay include aperturesformed in the flangesas described with respect to the wearable device, such that the wearable devicemay be selectively coupled t a carrier structuresuch as a strap. Similarly, the wearable deviceand/or wearable devicemay be coupleable to a carrier structure.

6 FIG.E 6 FIG.E 130 600 124 126 158 160 600 158 130 136 158 136 100 200 400 500 158 As shown for example in, the aperturesof the wearable devicemay receive pins that couple one or both end portions/to a hoopthat forms an openingsuitable for coupling the wearable deviceto another device (e.g., neckless, bracelet, or the like). In the embodiment shown in, the hooppivots about the apertures. In some embodiments, the pinsare formed with the hoop. In some embodiments, the pinsare separate devices. The wearable device, wearable device, wearable device, and/or wearable devicemay be similarly coupleable to a pivoting hoop.

6 FIG.F 600 602 604 606 604 606 As shown for example in, the wearable devicemay be additionally or alternately coupleable to the carrier structureor another carrier structure via one or more magnetic elements/that may be attracted to one another. For example, the magnetic elementand/or magnetic elementmay be a ferrous material, rare earth magnet, or the like.

7 FIG. 700 700 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 108 110 112 134 124 126 128 700 114 116 118 108 134 124 126 138 140 138 130 136 500 700 122 404 600 118 120 100 Turning to, a wearable deviceis shown. The wearable deviceis similar to the other wearable devices disclosed herein, such as the wearable device,,,,and/orin many aspects. For example, the wearable deviceincludes a main bodywith a rear panel, and a front panel, joined by an edge panel, an end portion, an end portionand optionally, a transition portion. The wearable deviceincludes a grillethat protects an audio transducer. An actuatoris disposed on a panel of the main body, such as the edge panel. The end portions/include flangesthat form a receiver. The flangesinclude respective aperturestherethrough adapted to receive pinsto couple the wearable deviceto one or more carrier structures. The wearable devicemay include one or both of a charging portand/or charging coil. The wearable deviceincludes a combined actuator/light emittersuch as described with respect to the wearable device.

700 132 702 702 702 112 700 7 FIG. The wearable deviceincludes a thematic elementin the form of a character. For example, the charactermay represent a real person (e.g., an astronaut, a religious or inspirational figure) or a fictional character (e.g., a storybook character). As shown for example in, the charactermay be formed with a panel, e.g., a front panelof the wearable device.

8 FIG. 17 FIG. 120 202 -show example systems and methods of using wearable devices disclosed herein. Any wearable device herein may operate in a variety of modes. In some examples, a wearable device operates in a fact mode where the wearable device plays messages categorized into one or more themes. In some embodiments, the wearable devices play a story, divided into virtual (or representing actual) book pages, story mode. Table 1-Table 4 show examples of user interface indications and associated actions for embodiments of wearable devices disclosed herein. Table 1 shows an example of user interface states (e.g., blinking pattern of the light emitter/) and the associated action of the wearable device for a wearable device in fact mode.

TABLE 1 example wearable device light emitter states and associated actions - fact mode fast blinking red Low battery multi-color flash Device powered on or mode changed slow pulse white Device off or in standby green pulsing Actively charging solid red Theme of selected fact categorized as astronaut and space travel facts solid blue Theme of selected fact categorized as earth facts solid green Theme of selected fact categorized as time and distance in space facts or charging complete solid white Theme of selected fact categorized as moon and asteroid facts solid purple Theme of selected fact categorized as solar system facts solid yellow Theme of selected fact categorized as stars and galaxies facts yellow flash error/fault

120 202 Table 2 shows an example of user interface states (e.g., blinking pattern of the light emitter/) and the associated action of the wearable device for a wearable device in a fact mode where the themes represent emotions.

TABLE 2 example wearable device light emitter states and associated actions - fact mode fast blinking red Low battery multi-color flash Device powered on or mode changed slow pulse white Device off or in standby green pulsing Actively charging solid red Theme of selected fact categorized as forgiveness solid blue Theme of selected fact categorized as contentment solid green Theme of selected fact categorized as joy or charging complete solid white Theme of selected fact categorized as empowerment solid purple Theme of selected fact categorized as reverence solid yellow Theme of selected fact categorized as calm yellow flash error/fault

118 8 FIG. Table 3 is a table of example actuatoractions and functions correlated thereto for a fact mode of any wearable device disclosed herein. See alsoand related description.

TABLE 3 example actuator 118 actions and related functions - fact mode press and hold toggle power on/off press and hold toggle story mode and fact mode while on or in standby 1x click play single random message if in standby 1x click pause playing if actively playing audio 1x click continue playing if paused 2x click start playing new message if paused or actively playing 2x click replay last message if in standby 3x click play single random message in the same category as the last played message 4x click play random number (e.g., 30) messages 5x click power device off

118 9 FIG. Table 4 shows example actuatoractions and associated functions correlated thereto for a story mode of any wearable device disclosed herein. See alsoand related description.

TABLE 4 example actuator 118 actions and related functions press and hold toggle between fact mode and story mode 1x click begin story, if in standby 1x click pause story if actively playing 1x click continue story 2x click start next page if actively playing or paused 3x click restart current page 5x click power device off

8 FIG. 800 800 800 800 illustrates an example methodfor operating a wearable device in fact mode. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

118 118 In any method disclosed herein, sample actions and inputs from the actuatorthat cause the wearable device to move from one operation to another are by example only and not limiting. For example if an action of 1× click on the actuatorcauses a method to move between two states, in other examples, that same movement may be caused by any number or combination of clicks, pauses, holds and combinations of the same or by the use of two or more actuators.

800 802 800 802 802 118 800 804 804 118 800 802 According to some examples, the methodincludes turning the wearable device off at operation. In many cases, the methodmay begin in the operation. If, in the operation, the user presses and holds the actuator(e.g., for a second) the methodmay move to the operation. For example, from standby mode in operation, if no action is taken for a predetermined time, or the user presses the actuatorfive times (5×) the methodmay proceed to operationand the wearable device turns off.

800 804 118 804 800 802 806 808 814 816 818 According to some examples, the methodincludes entering standby mode at operation. In standby mode the wearable device may be ready to receive further user input from the actuatorbut may be in a low power mode (e.g., lights and sounds off). As shown for example in Table 3 from operation, the methodmay proceed to any one of operation, operation, operation, operation, operation, and/or operation.

800 806 9 FIG. According to some examples, the methodincludes switching to story mode at operation. Seeand related description.

800 808 1802 1808 800 116 808 118 800 810 808 118 800 812 800 804 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing a message at operation. The message may be selected by the processing elementfrom memory componentaccording to a pattern, or at random. In some embodiments, a theme may be selected, e.g., at random, and a message categorized with that selected theme is selected. After selecting the message, the methodcauses the wearable device to play the selected message via the audio transducer. If during the operationthe user presses the actuatorone time, the methodmay pass to the operationand the playback is paused. If during the operationthe user presses the actuatortwo times (2×), the methodmay proceed to operationand the wearable device selects a new message for playback. If playback proceeds to the completion of the message, the methodmay return to operation, standby.

800 810 810 810 118 800 808 810 118 800 812 810 118 800 816 According to some examples, the methodincludes pausing playback at operation. In the operationthe wearable device stops playing the currently playing message. If, during the operation, the user presses the actuatorone time, the methodmay return to operationand continue playing the selected message. If, during the operation, the user presses the actuatortwo times, the methodmay proceed to the operationand the wearable device selects a new message to play. If, during the operation, the user presses the actuatorthree times (3×) the methodmay proceed to the operation.

800 812 812 808 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing the next message at operation. The operationis substantially similar to the operationbut is usually called during active playback or pause of a message.

800 814 1808 800 118 800 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing a previously played message at operation. For example, the memory componentmay store a record of the messages played and the methodmay recall and play one or more previously played messages. For example if the user clicks the actuatortwice (2×) from standby mode, the methodmay replay the last-played message again.

800 808 118 800 818 808 812 816 According to some examples, the methodincludes playing a new message having the same theme as the previously played message. For example, if the wearable device is in standby mode in operationand the user presses the actuatortwo times (2×), the methodmay proceed to the operation. For example, if the last-played message in operationor operationwas facts about the moon, in operationthe wearable device may play a new fact about the moon.

800 818 800 808 118 800 818 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing a number N messages continuously at operation. For example, the methodmay cause the wearable device to play 2, 5, 10, 30, or more messages in succession. For example, if the wearable device is in standby mode in operationand the user presses the actuatorfour times (4×), the methodmay proceed to the operation.

9 FIG. 900 900 900 900 illustrates an example methodfor operating any wearable device herein in story mode. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

In story mode, a wearable device reads a story aloud. The story may be broken in to one or more discrete portions called pages that may represent real pages in a physical book, virtual pages in an electronic book, or some other portion of the story.

900 902 According to some examples, the methodbegins with the device off in operation.

900 904 902 118 1602 118 120 904 118 906 8 FIG. According to some examples, the methodmay move to operationfrom the operationif the actuatoris pressed and held (e.g., for a second). In standby mode, the wearable device may be ready to receive further input from the uservia the actuatorbut may be in a low power state (e.g., not illuminating the light emitteror playing any sound). If, in operation, the actuatoris pressed and held again, the wearable device may switch to story mode in operation(see, e.g.,and related discussion).

900 908 900 908 1602 118 908 118 900 910 900 910 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing page 1 of a story at operation. In some embodiments, the methodmay return to operationand repeat the first page (e.g., if the userpresses the actuator3×). If, during the operation, the user presses the actuatortwice (2×), the methodmay proceed to the operationand the wearable device begins playing page 2 of the story. The methodmay also proceed to operationif the user takes no action and the wearable device plays all of the first page.

900 910 910 908 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing page 2 at operation. The operationis substantially the same as the operationbut for the second page in the story.

900 912 912 908 910 900 912 912 According to some examples, the methodincludes actively playing page N at operation. Similarly, operationis substantially the same as operationand operationbut for the Nth page in the story. The methodmay proceed from operationto operationrepeatedly until all the pages of a story are played.

900 914 1602 118 According to some examples, the methodpauses playback at operation. For example, if the userpresses the actuatorone time during playback of a page, the wearable device may pause or resume playback of a given page.

10 FIG. 1000 1000 1000 1000 illustrates an example methodfor operating a wearable device disclosed herein. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

1000 1002 1002 1000 1004 1602 118 According to some examples, the methodincludes placing the wearable device in standby at operation. Standby mode is as described elsewhere in this disclosure. From operation, the methodmay proceed to operationif the userpresses the actuatorone time, in some examples.

1000 1004 1802 1808 116 1602 1004 1000 1002 According to some examples, the methodincludes playing a random audio file at operation. For example, the processing elementmay select a random file stored in memory componentand cause the audio transducerto play the audio. If the usertakes no action in the operation, the methodreturns to the operation.

1004 1000 1006 120 202 1004 Before, during, and/or after the operation, the methodmay proceed to the operationand illuminate the light emitter/with a color associated with the theme of the audio file played in the operation.

1000 118 1000 In the method, the wearable device is never off, but is ready to receive user commands via the actuator. The methodhas an advantage of responsiveness over power consumption.

11 FIG. 1100 1100 1100 1100 illustrates an example methodfor operating a wearable device disclosed herein. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

1100 1002 1004 1006 1000 1100 1102 1100 1002 1602 118 According to some examples, the methodincludes operation, operation, and operationas described with respect to the method. The methodincludes an operationwhere the wearable device is powered off. The methodmay proceed to the operationfor example, by the userpressing and holding the actuatorfor a predetermined time.

1100 1100 In the method, the device may be placed in an off mode to conserve power. The methodprioritizes power saving over responsiveness.

12 FIG. 1200 1200 1200 1200 illustrates an example methodfor operating a wearable device disclosed herein. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

1200 1000 1002 1102 According to some examples, the methodis substantially similar to the method, except the operationwhere the wearable device is in standby is replaced by the operationand the device defaults to off.

1200 1100 The methodbeneficially provides additional power savings compared to the method.

13 FIG. 1300 1300 1300 1300 illustrates an example methodfor operating a wearable device disclosed herein in a theme selection mode. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

1300 1002 1000 According to some examples, the methodincludes standby at operationas described with respect to the method.

1300 1006 1000 According to some examples, the methodincludes illuminating the light emitter based on a theme of a selected message at operation, as described with respect to the method.

1300 1102 1100 According to some examples, the methodincludes powering the wearable device off at operation, as described with respect to the method.

1300 1302 1602 118 1300 118 1304 1306 1302 1304 1302 1304 1306 1300 1006 120 202 1006 According to some examples, the methodincludes selecting theme 1 at operation. For example, the usermay click the actuatorone time (in examples where the wearable device includes one actuator), click a first actuator (in cases where the wearable device includes more than one actuator), or may receive a speech command to select a theme. Similarly, the methodincludes selecting a second theme, (e.g., by clicking the actuatortwice, clicking the second actuator if present, or receiving a second voice command) in operation. The operationis similar to the operationandfor the Nth theme. From any of the operation, the operation, or the operation, the methodmay proceed to the operationand the wearable device illuminates the light emitter/based on the selected theme, as describes with respect to the operation.

1300 1308 116 According to some examples, the methodincludes a playing random audio file within theme at operation. For example, the wearable device may select a random message having the selected theme for playback via the audio transducer.

14 FIG. 14 FIG. 1400 100 1400 1402 shows an example systemincluding two or more wearable devices in wireless communication with one another. Although the wearable deviceis shown in, the systemis applicable to any wearable device disclosed herein. In various examples, the wireless communicationincludes one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, satellite communication, infrared communication, radio broadcasting, Zigbee, z-wave, or near field communication.

15 FIG. 1500 1400 1500 1500 1500 illustrates an example methodfor operating the system. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

1500 1502 1002 1500 1504 1602 118 According to some examples, the methodincludes placing one or more wearable devices in standby at operation, as described with respect to operation. The methodmay proceed to the operationfor example, if the userpresses and holds the actuatorfor a predetermined time.

1500 1500 1502 1500 1506 According to some examples, the methodincludes sensing if a second wearable device is in proximity to the first wearable device. For example, the first wearable device may receive a wireless signal from the second wearable device. If no second device is discovered, the methodmay return to the operation. If a second device is in proximity, the methodmay proceed to the operation.

1500 1506 120 116 According to some examples, the methodincludes prompting the user to connect to the second wearable device with an audio or visual indicator at operation. For example, the light emittermay illuminate, flash, etc. and/or the audio transducermay play a message, chime, or tone indicating the availability of a connection.

1500 1508 1400 1402 According to some examples, the methodincludes synchronizing the first wearable device and the second wearable device with one another at operation. For example, the wearable devices in the systemmay communicate with one another to establish a wireless communicationslink with one or more synchronization messages.

1500 1510 According to some examples, the methodincludes causing the first wearable device to plays the selected message or a message with the selected theme at operation.

1500 1512 According to some examples, the methodcauses the first wearable device to issue a command received by the second wearable device at operation. For example, the first wearable device may select a message or theme to play and send a command to the second audio device to play the same message or theme.

1500 1514 According to some examples, the methodcauses the second wearable device to play the selected message at operation.

1600 1600 1606 100 1400 1600 1402 100 1606 1604 16 FIG. The systemis a schematic of a systemfor communication between two or more wearable devices and a user device. Although the wearable deviceis shown in, the systemis applicable to any wearable device disclosed herein. Any of the devices of the systemmay be in wireless communicationor wired communication such a via a cable by ethernet, USB, or the like. The wearable devicesmay be in communication with one another or the user devicedirectly or via a network.

1606 In many embodiments, the user deviceis a smart phone, tablet, watch, laptop, desktop, or server.

17 FIG. 1700 1600 1700 1700 1700 illustrates an example methodfor operating the system. Although the example methoddepicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the methodmay perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

1700 11002 1000 According to some examples, the methodincludes placing the wearable devices in standby at operationas described with respect to the method.

1700 1606 1702 1402 According to some examples, the methodincludes connecting one or more wearable device to the user deviceat operation. Such connection may be made by wired or wireless communication.

1700 1606 1704 1402 1606 According to some examples, the methodincludes communicating with a second wearable device via user deviceat operation. Such communication may be made by wired or wireless communication. For example, an application executed by the user devicemay enable the sharing or synchronizing of one or more selected messages or themes between and among connected wearable devices.

1700 1706 According to some examples, the methodincludes causing the first wearable device to play selected audio at operation.

1700 1708 1706 1708 According to some examples, the methodincludes causing the second wearable device to play selected audio at operation. The operationand operationmay happen sequentially, may overlap, or may happen at the same time.

18 FIG. 18 FIG. 18 FIG. 1606 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 1802 1808 1802 1802 1802 1804 1812 608 1810 1604 is a simplified block diagram of components of a user deviceand/or a wearable device disclosed herein, such as the wearable device, the wearable device, the wearable device, the wearable device, the wearable device, the wearable device, and/or the wearable device. For example, the processing elementand the memory componentmay be located at one or in several wearable devices. This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of such wearable devices. In some examples, the processing elementis located in a device other than the wearable device such as for example, a server, a desktop computing system, a mainframe, a blade, a mesh of wearable devices, a laptop or notebook wearable device, a tablet wearable device, an embedded wearable device, a system-on-chip, a single-board wearable device, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, a wearable device may include one or more processing element; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; span multiple data centers; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. A wearable device may include one or more processing elements, an input/output I/O interface, one or more external devices, one or more memory components, and a network interface. Each of the various components may be in communication with one another through one or more buses or communication networks, such as wired or wireless networks, e.g., the network. The components inare exemplary only. In various examples, the wearable device may include additional components and/or functionality not shown in.

1802 1802 1802 1802 The processing elementmay be any type of electronic device capable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processing elementmay be a central processing unit, microprocessor, processor, or microcontroller. Additionally, it should be noted that some components of the wearable device may be controlled by a first processing elementand other components may be controlled by a second processing element, where the first and second processing elements may or may not be in communication with each other.

1804 1804 118 The I/O interfaceallows a user to enter data into wearable device, as well as provides an input/output for the wearable device to communicate with other devices or services. The I/O interfacecan include one or more input buttons (e.g., an actuator), touch pads, touch screens, and so on.

1812 1812 1812 The external deviceare one or more devices that can be used to provide various inputs to the wearable devices, e.g., mouse, microphone, keyboard, trackpad, etc. The external devicesmay be local or remote and may vary as desired. In some examples, the external devicesmay also include one or more additional sensors.

1808 1802 1808 The memory componentsare used by the wearable device to store instructions and/or data for the processing elementsuch as the messages, audio files, user interface routines, user preferences, alerts, etc. The memory componentsmay be, for example, magneto-optical storage, read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components.

1810 1606 1604 1810 1810 1810 The network interfaceprovides communication to and from the wearable device to other devices such as other wearable devices, user devices, the network, etc. The network interfaceincludes one or more communication protocols, such as, but not limited to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, etc. The network interfacemay also include one or more hardwired components, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, or the like. The configuration of the network interfacedepends on the types of communication desired and may be modified to communicate via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

1806 1806 1602 1806 118 1602 The light emitterprovides a visual output for the wearable device and may be varied as needed based on the device. The light emittermay be configured to provide visual feedback to the userand may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) (e.g., a color-addressable LED), liquid crystal display screen, light emitting diode screen, plasma screen, light pipe, or the like. In some examples, the light emittermay be configured to act as an input element (such as the actuator) for the userthrough touch feedback or the like.

1814 1814 1814 1814 1814 122 404 The wearable devices include a power source. In many embodiments, the power sourceis a secondary (rechargeable) battery. In some embodiments, the power sourcemay be a primary (single use) battery. The battery may include one or more of a nickel metal hydride battery, lithium battery, nickel cadmium battery, alkaline battery, or the like. In embodiments where the power sourceis rechargeable, the power sourcemay be chargeable by a charging portand/or charging coil.

The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one,” “at least one” or “one or more.” Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise,’ ‘comprising,’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

All relative, directional, and ordinal references (including top, bottom, side, front, rear, first, second, third, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.

Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.